6th March, 2024 Current Affairs

International
Hungary Appoints New President Amidst Political Controversy

• Hungary's parliament has recently named a new president in the wake of the previous head of state's resignation amid a scandal involving a contentious pardon issued in a child sexual abuse case. The selection of Tamás Sulyok, a former head of Hungary's Constitutional Court, has ignited discussions among opposition parties advocating for direct presidential elections.
• Sulyok emphasized upholding the rule of law and staying out of political affairs in his acceptance speech. His predecessor resigned under public pressure after granting a pardon in a child abuse case, leading to criticism of PM Orban's government.

Key Points for Competitive Exams:

• New Hungarian President: Tamás Sulyok, a 67-year-old lawyer and former head of the Constitutional Court.
• Appointment Context: Follows resignation of previous president due to a controversial pardon in a child sexual abuse case.
• Opposition Concerns: Several parties abstained from the vote, advocating for direct presidential elections to avoid potential political bias.
• Presidential Role: Primarily ceremonial, with limited power to influence legislation or intervene directly in politics.
• EU Disputes: Appointment comes amidst ongoing tensions between Hungary and the EU regarding rule-of-law and democratic principles.

National
Gangetic Dolphin Gets a Boost: India's First Research Center Opens in Patna

• A new hope for the endangered Gangetic dolphin emerged with the inauguration of India's first National Dolphin Research Center (NDRC) in Patna. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River within Patna University, the facility aims to be a hub for studying and protecting these fascinating freshwater creatures.

Key points for Competitive Exams:

• Location: Patna, Bihar (on the banks of the Ganges River within Patna University campus)
• Cost: Rs 30 crore
• Objective: Research and conservation of freshwater dolphins, especially the endangered Gangetic dolphin.

Significance:

• First NDRC in India.
• Supports research on behavior, ecology, and threats faced by Gangetic dolphins.
• Contributes to broader understanding of the Ganges River ecosystem.
• Additional Notes:
• Hunting of Gangetic dolphins is prohibited under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Estimated population of Gangetic dolphins in the Ganges River is around 1,048 (2018 survey).

India Unveils Chakshu: Combat Fraudulent Calls & Texts with Ease

• 'Chakshu' is a valuable tool for citizens and authorities to work together in combating cybercrime and building a safer digital India.
• In a significant move aimed at bolstering cyber-security measures and empowering citizens, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) alongside the 'Chakshu' facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This initiative seeks to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders in combating telecom misuse related to cyber-crime and financial frauds.

Q. What is the 'Chakshu' facility launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)?
A. 'Chakshu' is a citizen-centric online platform launched on the Sanchar Saathi portal by the DoT. It empowers individuals to report suspected fraudulent communications received via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Q. What types of fraud can be reported through 'Chakshu'?
A. Citizens can report various types of fraudulent activities, including:
KYC-related frauds
Impersonation of government officials or relatives for financial gain
Sextortion
Other forms of communication aimed at defrauding individuals
Q. How does 'Chakshu' benefit citizens?
A. 'Chakshu' benefits citizens by:
Simplifying the process of reporting suspected fraud
Encouraging swift and efficient reporting through a user-friendly interface
Enabling individuals to play an active role in safeguarding themselves from fraud
Q. How does 'Chakshu' contribute to broader efforts against cybercrime?
A. 'Chakshu' contributes by:
Fostering collaboration between citizens and authorities like law enforcement and telecom service providers
Enabling proactive measures to prevent fraudulent activities
Raising awareness and educating citizens about various forms of online fraud
Q. What is the significance of 'Chakshu' in the context of cyber-security?
A. 'Chakshu' signifies the DoT's commitment to:

• Empowering citizens in the fight against cybercrime
• Fostering a secure digital ecosystem
• Protecting individuals from fraudulent activities

India's First Underwater Metro Launched!
A significant development in India's infrastructure.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first underwater metro service in Kolkata, marking a major milestone in the country's urban development.
• The service is part of the East-West metro corridor, connecting Howrah and Salt Lake in West Bengal.

Engineering marvel and key features:

• The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section boasts a 520-meter stretch under the Hooghly River, showcasing advanced engineering.
• Three underground stations are part of the service, with trains traveling 16 meters below the riverbed.
• This project aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion and offer a sustainable alternative to road transport.

Project details and future scope:

• The complete East-West corridor will have 10.8 km underground and 5.75 km elevated sections.
• The project faced delays due to an accident during construction but is now operational.
• The Prime Minister also inaugurated other metro sections in Kolkata, further expanding the city's network.

Key points for competitive exams:

• Kolkata inaugurated India's first underwater metro service in March 2024.
• The service is part of the East-West corridor, connecting Howrah and Salt Lake.
• The project showcases advanced engineering, including a tunnel under the Hooghly River.
• It aims to address traffic congestion and air pollution in Kolkata.

Prime Minister Modi to participate in the "Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Srinagar on March 7th, 2024, and announce development initiatives in the "Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir" (Developed India, Developed Jammu and Kashmir) program.
Key Points:

• Boosting J&K's Agri-Economy: The Prime Minister will dedicate a Rs. 5000 crore program focused on bolstering Jammu and Kashmir's agricultural sector. This initiative, named the "Holistic Agriculture Development Programme," aims to:
• Empower farmers: Equip about 2.5 lakh farmers with skill development opportunities through a dedicated portal called "Daksh Kisan."
• Enhance infrastructure: Establish around 2000 "Kisan Khidmat Ghars" (Farmer Service Centers) to provide crucial support services.
• Revitalizing Tourism: In a significant boost for the region's tourism industry, the Prime Minister will:
• Dedicate and launch 52 tourism projects worth over Rs. 1400 crore under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes.
• Announce the tourist destinations selected under the Challenge Based Destination Development Scheme.

Religious and Cultural Development: The Prime Minister will dedicate the project for the "Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine" in Srinagar. This project signifies the development of important religious sites, experience centers, cultural centers, and ecotourism sites across the country.
Promoting Tourism Initiatives:

• Launch "Dekho Apna Desh People's Choice 2024" initiative.
• Launch "Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign" to promote tourism among the Indian diaspora.
• Empowering J&K Youth: Distribute appointment orders to new government recruits in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Key Development Projects in Odisha worth Rs. 19,600 crore
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 19,600 crores in Chandikhole, Odisha today. The projects relate to sectors including oil & gas, railways, road, transport & highways and atomic energy.
Key Points:
Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth over Rs. 19,600 crore in Chandikhole, Odisha.
Sectors: Oil & gas, railways, road, transport & highways, and atomic energy.
Highlights:
Energy Sector:

• Inauguration of 344 km long product pipeline from Paradip (Odisha) to Haldia (West Bengal).
• Inauguration of Indian Oil Corporation Limited Mono Ethylene Glycol project in Paradip Refinery.
• Inauguration of 0.6 MMTPA LPG Import facility at Paradip.

Infrastructure Development:

• Foundation stone laid for eight-laning of Chandikhole - Paradip Section of NH-16.
• Dedication of four-laning projects for various sections of NH-49 and NH-18.

Railways:

• Dedication of 162 Km Bansapani - Daitari - Tomka - Jakhapura Rail Line.
• Inauguration of CONCOR Container Depot in Kalinga Nagar.
• Laying foundation stone for various railway workshops and maintenance facilities.
• Flagging off of new train services.

Other Projects:

• Inauguration of 5 MLD capacity seawater desalination plant at Odisha Sands Complex.

Additional Information:

• The Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to:
• Develop eastern states in the energy sector.
• Provide modern connectivity in Odisha.
• Utilize natural resources for development.
• He also highlighted the focus on increasing the railway budget and expanding national highways for improved connectivity.
• This development initiative signifies a significant investment in Odisha's infrastructure and industrial growth. It aligns with the central government's broader vision of "Viksit Bharat".

PM Modi Inaugurates Projects in Telangana worth over Rs. 6,800 crore
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 6,800 crores in Sangareddy, Telangana today. These projects encompass key sectors like road, rail, petroleum, aviation and natural gas.
Key Points for Competitive Exams:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sangareddy, Telangana, and inaugurated/laid foundation stones for various development projects worth over Rs. 6,800 crores.
• Sectors: Road (National Highways), Rail, Petroleum, Aviation, and Natural Gas.

Highlights:
Road Infrastructure:

• Inaugurated four-laning of 40 km Kandi to Ramsanpalle section of NH-161 (Indore-Hyderabad Economic Corridor).
• Inaugurated upgradation of 47 km Miryalaguda to Kodad section of NH-167.
• Laid foundation stone for six-laning of 29 km Pune-Hyderabad section of NH-65.

Railways:

• Inaugurated doubling and electrification of Sanathnagar-Moula Ali line with six new stations.
• Flagged off inaugural MMTS Train Service from Ghatkesar-Lingampalli via Moula Ali-Sanathnagar.

Petroleum:

• Inaugurated 1212 km Indian Oil Paradip-Hyderabad Product Pipeline.

Aviation:

• Inaugurated Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO) center at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.
• The Prime Minister emphasized the central government's commitment to Telangana's development, aligning with the "Viksit Bharat" vision. He highlighted the allocation of Rs. 11 lakh crore for infrastructure development in this year's budget. These projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost economic activity, and benefit commuters in the region. This development initiative signifies the combined efforts of the central and state governments to improve infrastructure and services in Telangana.

Science and Technology
Three New Moons Discovered in Our Solar System's Outer Reaches

• In a thrilling advancement for space exploration, astronomers associated with the International Astronomical Union have unveiled three newly discovered moons in the outer reaches of our solar system. These celestial entities, comprising two orbiting Neptune and one encircling Uranus, were spotted utilizing state-of-the-art land-based telescopes distributed worldwide.
• International Astronomical Union identifies new celestial bodies.

Key Points:

• Three new moons discovered: two orbiting Neptune and one around Uranus.
• This increases the known moon count to 28 for Uranus and 16 for Neptune.
• Offers insights into the formation of celestial bodies and the solar system's early years.
• Discovered using long-exposure photography from powerful telescopes.
• International collaboration led by Scott Sheppard using telescopes in Chile and Hawaii.
• Moons named after Shakespearean characters (Uranus) and Nereid sea goddesses (Neptune).

Details:

• The discovery expands our understanding of the outer solar system and its formation.
• The moons' diverse sizes and orbits suggest a dynamic past involving planetary movements and moon capture.
• Long-exposure photography over multiple nights aided detection.
• Collaboration with David Tholen, Chad Trujillo, and Patryk Sofia Lykawa was crucial.
• Moons have varying diameters and orbital periods, with the Neptunian moon S/2021 N1 boasting the longest known orbit for a Neptunian moon (27 years).

Remember for Competitive Exams:

• This discovery highlights ongoing advancements in space exploration using powerful telescopes and international collaboration.
• It contributes to our understanding of the solar system's formation and the potential existence of more celestial bodies yet to be discovered.

International Astronomical Union (IAU) Facts:

• President: Debra Elmegreen
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Founded: July 28, 1919
• General Secretary: Piero Benvenuti

Economy
India's First Green Hydrogen Plant Unveiled: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

• The Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, conducted the virtual inauguration of India’s first Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless Steel Sector, situated at Jindal Stainless Limited in Hisar, on March 4th, 2024. The event was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Steel, Sh. Nagendra Nath Sinha, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless Limited, Sh. Abhyuday Jindal, Founder of Hygenco, Sh. Amit Bansal, and other officials from the Ministry of Steel.
• The plant boasts advanced technology and infrastructure, showcasing India's capabilities in green energy production. It aims to reduce carbon emissions by around 2,700 Metric Tonnes per year and 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the next 20 years.

Key Points for Competitive Exams:

• Inauguration: India's first Green Hydrogen Plant in the stainless steel sector was inaugurated on March 4, 2024, at Jindal Stainless Limited, Hisar.
• Industry Firsts: This plant holds two world records - the first off-grid Green Hydrogen plant for the stainless steel industry and the first with rooftop & floating solar.

Significance:

• Emission Reduction: Aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, contributing to India's climate goals.
• Partnership: Collaboration between Jindal Stainless Limited and Hygenco highlights industry-innovation synergy for sustainability.
• Government Support: Aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the government's vision for a cleaner future.
• Employment: Creates job opportunities, contributing to economic growth.
• Global Impact: Sets a precedent for green energy initiatives worldwide, showcasing India's leadership.
• Sustainable Future: Represents a step towards a greener economy, emphasizing clean technologies and responsible practices.

PMFBY Enrolment increased by 27 %

• Over the past 8 years, since the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), 56.80 crore farmer applications have been enrolled, with over 23.22 crore farmer applicants receiving claims. Throughout this duration, farmers have contributed nearly Rs. 31,139 crore as their share of premium. Against this, claims totaling over Rs. 1,55,977 crore have been disbursed to them. This translates to farmers receiving about Rs. 500 as claims for every Rs. 100 of premium paid.

Key Points:

• PMFBY: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a government scheme providing crop insurance to farmers.
• Enrollment Increase: A 27% increase in farmer enrollment observed in the current year (2023-24) compared to the previous year.
• Claim Ratio: Farmers receive around Rs. 500 as claims for every Rs. 100 of premium paid.
• Total Beneficiaries: Over 56.8 crore farmer applications enrolled and 23.22 crore received claims in the past 8 years.

Scheme Highlights:

• Voluntary for both states and farmers.
• Launched in 2016, it's the 3rd largest insurance scheme globally (by premium).
• Aims to financially support farmers during crop loss due to unforeseen events.
• Recent Improvements:
• Voluntary participation for all farmers.
• Increased technology usage.
• Long-term contracts for insurance companies.
• State flexibility in choosing risk cover.
• The government actively monitors the scheme's implementation and claim settlements. Various initiatives have been taken to increase coverage, including:
• Increased tenure for selecting insurance companies.
• Introducing alternative risk models.
• Implementing technology advancements (NCIP, YES-TECH, WINDS, CROPIC, etc.).
• Enhanced IEC activities.
• The scheme's guidelines are periodically revised to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely payments to farmers.

Awards
President to confer Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards

• Tomorrow, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will confer the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023 to 94 eminent artists, including two joint awardees, in various fields of performing arts such as music, dance, drama, folk & tribal arts, puppetry, and allied theatre art forms.
• The ceremony will be attended by dignitaries including Minister for Culture, Tourism, and DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy; MoS for Law & Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs and Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal; Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Govind Mohan; Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Dr. Sandhya Purecha, and representatives from the Government of India.
• Additionally, apart from the Akademi Awards, the President will also bestow the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) to seven eminent artists, including one joint fellowship, during the ceremony. This Fellowship is the highest honor given to exceptional artists in the field of performing arts for their outstanding contributions. The Akademi Fellowship is a rare and esteemed honor, limited to 40 recipients at any given time.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards have been a symbol of excellence and achievement since 1952, recognizing not only the highest standards of artistic prowess but also sustained individual contributions to the field. The Akademi Fellowship comes with a purse money of Rs. 3,00,000/- (Rupees three lakhs), while the Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), along with a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.

Complete List of Awardess:  https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/mar/doc202435319401.pdf